Table Of Content
Please complete the form below to request information on Unity House programs and services. Housing services are provided on an individual’s level of functioning and personal choice at the least restrictive level of care. With passion and integrity, Unity House embraces the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights. We work together to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need. Her next journey was with the elementary age children, Kindergarten through 6th grade. She taught 1st and 2nd grades, but her heart was always with younger children.
Community Resources
Unity House celebrated 50 years in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the increased demands for services brought on by the economic impact of the pandemic, Unity House never closed doors. The agency pivoted to continue to serve under stressful conditions, offering enhanced services and gaining valuable agility.
Community Residence Services
Stay current on Unity House happenings, including volunteer opportunities and events.
Substance Use Disorder Services
Unity House provides direct service and works toward social justice. We help individuals identify their strengths and needs, draw upon their abilities, and access community resources. We educate, collaborate with others and advocate to influence public policy and to create awareness of the people we serve and the issues they face. Founded in Troy in 1971, Unity House is a non-profit agency serving Rensselaer County. Unity House's community resource center has a thrift store, food pantry, and dining room, which offer many opportunitiesto volunteer and make a difference in the lives of others.
Looking to volunteer your time?
Additional financial support was provided by The Howard & Bush Foundation, The Robison Family Foundation, Split Rock Foundation and Susan Poisson-Dollar, James Suozzo, and The Seymour Fox Foundation. All children in our center-based programs receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Our meal program meets the nutritional requirements for children at the different stages of development and is approved by a NYS Department of Health nutritionist. In 2017 Unity House merged with Northeast Career Planning, helping people to overcome barriers to employment. With the merge, programs and services around employment, PROS services, and vocational services were improved and expanded, offering greater access through various satellite locations in the Capital Region. During those exciting first years, Unity House grew simply by responding to whatever need seemed to present itself, from collecting and distributing food and furniture to providing shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Services
Specialized instruction is directed by caring professionals who are licensed and educated in their field. Children who are eligible for UPK and have registered with their school district may enroll in one of our centers in Troy or Albany. UPK students will receive a program designed by the school district and implemented by our UPK Teachers in one of our classrooms. Children receive instructional experiences in skill building to prepare them for Kindergarten.
Our team of professionals have many years of experience in the field of Education. Our Administrators lead a variety of programs based on our knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Special Education practices. Our Teachers, Therapists and Teaching Assistants provide instructional experiences designed to support and guide every child’s learning and success. Since its inception in 1971, Unity House has grown to meet the increasing needs of those living in Rensselaer County and surrounding communities. Providing crisis intervention, advocacy, skills teaching, information, resources, encouragement and support, Unity House continues to help disadvantaged people lead productive and healthy lives.
Barbara graduated from Ithaca College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree and is a NYS registered Physical Therapist. Pediatrics has always been her passion and she is honored to work with children and families to assist them in overcoming their challenges and advocating for successful educational services/placements. In 2015 Barbara received the Annual Women of Distinction Award for Education from Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.
Unity House Youth Center opens to combat gun violence and provide safe space for local teens - WRGB
Unity House Youth Center opens to combat gun violence and provide safe space for local teens.
Posted: Sat, 17 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The two hundred employees she is fortunate to work with provide direct educational services and the support services that make A Child’s Place a stimulating environment. Staff opportunities for continuing education and trainings, focusing on best practices, provide the foundation for successful programming. Susan believes that all children deserve an educational program that meets their individual needs and that through a commitment to inclusion of all people, life is enhanced.
The Kathryn Allen Center for Domestic Violence Services is named in memory of a longtime volunteer, board member, and staff member at Unity House. Help for victims of domestic violence was one of the earliest services Unity House offered when it was founded in 1971. Since then, the program has evolved to offer a 33-bed shelter, a non-residential program, legal services, counseling, housing, and more.
Gina believes that children learn best when they are actively engaged. For many years, the late Kathryn Allen provided tremendous support to Unity House, as a volunteer, a member and eventual chair of the board of directors, and for a time as an employee. With her former husband, John Baackes, she also provided significant financial support of the organization, especially for victims of domestic violence. She is survived by a loving fiancée, two daughters, and an extended family that carries on her legacy. Children with identified special needs receive a program and services designed for them. Special Education Teachers and Therapists identify goals and provide individualized instruction in the home and community.
Nurturing, trained teachers guide children in the learning process through hands on activities designed to enhance skills in all areas of development. Katie has been with A Child’s Place at Unity House since September 2017. She has her Master’s Degree in Special Education from the College of Saint Rose. She has been a special educator for 18 years with 14 of those years spent as a preschool special education teacher.
Our daycare centers are licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and are quality rated by QUALITYstarsNY. Our early intervention program is overseen by the Bureau of Early Intervention at the NYS Department of Health. Our special education program is overseen by the NYS Education Department. Our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of people in recovery, coping with a mental illness, and/or diagnosed with a developmental disability. This is accomplished by offering services and supports in an inclusive, people-centered environment.
Jane has been in the child care field since 1992, starting out as an infant teacher and preschool teacher before becoming Assistant Director and then Director. As the Child Care Manager, Jane enjoys being able to spend time with children and watching them grow while partnering with families and teachers to provide excellent care. Jane has an A.A.S Degree in Early Childhood Education from Maria College and a B.S. Barbara has been at A Child’s Place since 1998, and is currently a Program Coordinator. She oversees the special education centerbase program for toddlers and preschoolers at the 435 4th Street site. In addition she coordinates the outreach program for Early Intervention and Preschoolers and manages the evaluation process for EI and CPSE.
Unity House is a Rensselaer County-based human service agency that provides a wide range of services to meet the otherwise unmet needs of people in our community who are hurting and struggling. We assist those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with developmental delays. We work to achieve social justice in our community and to create a better understanding of those we serve. We are a Rensselaer County-based human service agency that provides a wide range of services to meet the otherwise unmet needs of people in our community who are hurting and struggling.
Jane has been with this agency as a Child Care Manager since 2010. In that role, she is responsible for overseeing the childcare staff and children. She enrolls and welcomes new families to the program as well as maintains relationships with current families. Jane also hires and manages all of the child care staff and works with NYS OCFS to be sure the center meets all licensing regulations.
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